We bring the team news as Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium as both sides get ready for a clash that will have significant implications in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners have maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League table since early November as they aim to secure their first league title in almost 20 years, while the visitors seek their fifth title in six years amidst facing allegations of Financial Fair Play violations.

Although Arsenal are the frontrunners for the title, both teams have struggled in recent weeks, and uncertainties surrounding the fitness of Erling Haaland only add more intrigue to the match. 206 games have been played between the two sides, with 98 triumphs for Arsenal and 63 wins for Manchester City.

In the recent past, Manchester City have won six straight games against Arsenal across all competitions and have dominated the tie lately.

Injury/Suspension List:

Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus are unlikely to make an appearance as they work on their fitness. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a decision on whether to start Gabriel Martinelli, who has not been performing well lately or Leandro Trossard, who scored in the Brentford game.

In a major boost for the visitors, Erling Haaland has been seen in training, although his fitness remains a concern after he came off injured against Aston Villa. Julian Alvarez was subbed on to play with Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish in the forward line. John Stones is still out for a few more weeks due to injury, while Nathan Ake may return to the starting lineup.

Gabriel Jesus has progressed well in his recovery from a knee injury, but he won’t be back with the North London side for a few more weeks, while Mohamed Elneny underwent knee surgery last month and will miss the rest of the season.

Whether City boss Pep Guardiola will persist with only three natural defenders in the starting XI is unknown, but Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake will all be hoping to return to the starting lineup after beginning as substitutes last time out.

Player To Watch Out For- Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the world right now and he has been in impressive scoring touch, even though his form has dried up in the last few games. The Norwegian striker possesses an impressive combination of physical fortitude and technical expertise that makes him a formidable force on the pitch.

Amongst Haaland’s most notable strengths is his incredible pace and power, which allow him to outpace defenders and hold the ball up effectively. He is also an expert finisher, with a clinical ability to score goals from a range of positions and angles.

The 22-year-old is also skilled at creating space for himself and his teammates, with his off-the-ball movement and intelligent runs often causing chaos in opposition defences. He is also comfortable operating in wide areas, where his dribbling ability and crossing accuracy can cause significant problems for defenders.

Arsenal Form:

DWWLD

Manchester City Form:

LWWLW

Arsenal Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Aaron Ramsdale (GK); Ben White (RB), William Saliba (CB), Gabriel (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB); Granit Xhaka (CM), Thomas Partey (CM); Bukayo Saka (RW), Martin Odegaard (CAM), Gabriel Martinelli (LW); Eddie Nketiah (ST).

Read More:

• Arsenal Ready To Increase Wage As Club Step Up Efforts To Extend The Contracts Of Two Other Key Players On Arteta’s Demand
• Another Massive Setback for Arsenal as Club Fail to Land Top Midfield Target In The January Window
• Arsenal’s €60m Rated Sensation and Massive Fan Favourite Finally Agrees New Long-Term Contract at the Emirates.

Predicted Score:

Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City

The North London side’s unbeaten home record this season will face a stiff challenge against the Cityzens following their lacklustre performances in recent games, including their defeat to Everton and a poor showing against Brentford.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have had their fair share of struggles, having recently suffered a drab 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, before bouncing back with a comfortable win over Aston Villa. While Erling Haaland’s fitness will undoubtedly be important in the context of the outcome of the game, there is no question that Arsenal will face a mammoth Manchester City test that will decide the Gunners’ league fate.

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